W05: Water Quality Consistency

(2 points)

INTENT

Maintain consistent high quality of drinking water.

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires use of filters on drinking water dispensers or testing of key water quality parameters at a more frequent interval.

ISSUE

The quality of water is not a constant parameter; it can fluctuate based on weather and other factors. For example, where the soil in watersheds contains large amounts of silt and clay, the water's turbidity levels rise during periods of snowmelt and heavy rain. Water quality can also vary because of changes to infrastructure, particularly for contaminants introduced downstream of municipal water treatment. For example, lead and copper in older pipes can dissolve into the drinking water if anticorrosion additives are not maintained, and are a particular risk when the source of a water supply changes. Variability in the disinfectant level can allow microbes to flourish, sometimes causing water suppliers to issue boil alerts to water users.

SOLUTIONS

To help detect fluctuations in water quality, projects can undertake their own water sampling operations on a regular basis. Or, by installing treatment techniques such as sediment filters, UV disinfection systems, and reverse osmosis, projects can better accommodate water quality variations.

IMPACT

By treating or undertaking regular assessment of drinking water, buildings can proactively manage their water quality on an ongoing basis.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Test and Display Water Quality (1 point)

Verified by Operations Schedule, On-going Data Report, Photographic evidence

For All Spaces

The following requirements are met:   

1. All water delivered to the project for human consumption is tested quarterly (with results submitted annually through WELL Online) for the below:

   1. Lead.
   2. Copper.
   3. Turbidity.
   4. Coliforms.

2. Most recent water quality results are made available to occupants through one of the below:

   1. Visual displays prominently located near sources of drinking water.
   2. Hosting the required data on a website accessible to occupants. Visible signs should be positioned near sources of drinking water indicating the website where the data may be accessed.

 

Note: Project teams should consider primary language(s) spoken by the local population when creating signage.

The location and quantity of water samples needed for meeting these requirements are described in the "General Guidelines" in the Water section of the Performance Verification Guidebook.

Part 2

Filter Drinking Water (1 point)

Verified by MEP, On-going Maintenance Report, Photographic evidence

For All Spaces

Treatment Devices:

All water from drinking water dispensers is treated within the building with the following:

1. A filter designed to remove suspended solids with pore size 1.5 µm or less.
2. A UV disinfection system rated by NSF/ANSI Standard 55 (Class A or B) or a device rated by NSF/ANSI Standard Standard 53 or 58 for cyst removal or reduction.
3. A device rated by NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or 58 for copper or lead reduction.

Device Maintenance:

The following requirement is met:

1. Projects submit annually through WELL Online evidence that water treatment devices have been properly maintained as per the manufacturer's recommendation.

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